Demands from our personal and professional lives compete for our attention, and all too often the pressures of the day require more than we have to give.
An invisible & silent killer, Stress affects our body, mind, and behavior in numerous known and unknown ways. However, if we are aware of the stress symptoms and ways to manage it, we can reduce and cope with stress more effectively. Stress invites an array of health problems, and prolonged unchecked stress can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, stroke high blood pressure, headaches, obesity, hair loss, and diabetes, etc.
What are the common signs and symptoms of stress?
- Acne
- Throbbing Migraines, Headaches
- Chronic Pain
- Frequent Illness
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Disturbed sleep cycle and Insomnia
- Appetite Changes and Digestive Issues
How to find out if we are stressed and unhealthy?
When an individual feels threatened, the nervous system comes into response and releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which arouse the body for flight or emergency action. The person’s heart rate goes up, muscles tighten, blood vessels tighten, blood pressure rises, breath accelerates, and all the senses are on alert mode.
This is the body’s natural response, where some amount of stress is needed and healthy, but prolonged stress is dangerous. Chronic or prolonged stress can contribute to heart ailments and high B.P. and the continual increase in heart rate, elevated levels of stress hormones and high B. P, can take a toll on our health eventually.
How to de-stress, relax and unwind?
We are 24/ 7 online. Our senses are continually disturbed with alerts from our mobiles, phones, iPods, and a host of other social media gadgets which are live streams, gaming, etc. The list is endless. Be it the positive stressors or negative stressors Yoga offers respite.
How to de-stress with Yoga?
- Pranayamas calm the senses and the nervous system. The mindful practice of breathing in and breathing out as simple as it sound is extremely feestive. Yogendra Pranayamas help especially – Abdominal breathing and Anulom-Vilom or alternate nostril breathing. (Watch Video for details) relives stress from our system.
- Bhramari Pranayama or Humming Bee Breath produces humming sound like the gentle humming of a black bumble bee. Practice this is Yoni Mudra to maximize calming effects. This breathing practice soothes the nervous system and calms all the senses.
- Yoga poses give the required body stretching to help release tension and stress. Gentle movement and proper breath flow ease the pressure and stress
Which are the most effective Yoga postures?
- Yoga Mudra the forward bending sitting action directs the blood flow towards the head region, having a calming effect on the brain.
- Vajrasana and Pavanmuktasanas help to keep the digestive system in shape so that irritability due to conditions like constipation etc. can be avoided.
- Garudasana and Hagets the blood flowing in arms and legs, making the extremities supple and flexible, leaving you energized.
- Paschimottanasana helps a distracted mind unwind and gently opens up your hamstrings. Gentle compression on the abdomen helps to reduce belly fat.
- Halasana and Sarvangasana direct the blood flow towards the head region so better oxygenation and calming effect on your brain.
- Shavasana or Corpse Pose or Guided meditation every single day even for fifteen minutes helps to unwind and relax.
Take up hobbies like painting or dancing. Spend some time in natural surroundings with nature, go for walks in the park, enjoy alone time with yourself.
So why are we living with unmanageable stress? Check out our camp and workshops options we have to de-stress the Yoga way. Click here for details.